Papers

Advances in microplastic characterization: Spectroscopic techniques and heavy metal adsorption insights

This review covers the various techniques scientists use to identify and characterize microplastics and the heavy metals that stick to their surfaces, including infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. Understanding what types of plastics are present and what toxic metals they carry is essential for assessing the health risks of microplastic exposure.

Raman spectroscopy for microplastic detection in water sources: a systematic review

This systematic review summarizes how Raman spectroscopy, a type of light-based analysis, is used to identify microplastics in drinking water, oceans, and wastewater. Polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene were among the most commonly detected plastics across all water sources. Better detection methods like this are essential for understanding the extent of microplastic contamination in the water we drink.

Microplastic content of over-the-counter toothpastes - a systematic review

This systematic review confirms that microplastic particles are present in many common toothpaste brands, including polyethylene and polypropylene beads used as abrasives. Since toothpaste is used daily and can be swallowed, this represents a direct and repeated route of microplastic exposure for consumers.

A planetary health perspective on menstruation: menstrual equity and climate action

This planetary health review highlights how conventional menstrual hygiene products generate significant plastic waste and contain potentially harmful chemicals, while many people worldwide lack adequate access to menstrual products. Reusable and sustainable alternatives could simultaneously address menstrual equity and reduce environmental plastic pollution.

Baseline assessment of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils from the coastal stretches of Karnataka and Goa, Southwestern India

Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in paddy field soils across coastal regions of Karnataka and Goa in India, finding microplastics in every sample tested at all depths up to 30 cm. Fibers and polypropylene particles were the most common types, likely originating from agricultural plastic use and atmospheric deposition. The presence of toxic heavy metals on the microplastic surfaces raises additional concerns about contamination of rice crops grown in these soils.

Microplastics in the marine environment of St. Mary's Island: implications for human health and conservation

This study measured microplastic pollution around St. Mary's Island and found contamination from fishing activities and packaging, including six different types of plastic polymers. The environmental risk assessment rated the area as medium risk, and dangerous chemicals were found attached to the plastic particle surfaces. The findings highlight how microplastic pollution in coastal areas used for fishing and tourism can threaten both marine ecosystems and the health of communities that depend on them.

Moving from symptom management to upstream plastics prevention: The fallacy of plastic cleanup technology

This paper argues that plastic cleanup technologies, while helpful at a local scale, cannot solve the global plastic pollution crisis and may distract from more effective solutions. The authors present evidence that reducing plastic production upstream is far more efficient and economical than trying to remove plastic from the environment after it has been released. The findings are important for human health because preventing plastic pollution at the source would reduce the microplastics that end up in food, water, and air.

Insights into the seasonal distribution of microplastics and their associated biofilms in the water column of two tropical estuaries

Researchers tracked microplastic levels and the bacterial communities growing on them in a tropical estuary in southwest India across wet and dry seasons. Microplastic concentrations were about seven times higher during the wet season due to increased runoff, and the biofilms on these plastics included potentially harmful bacteria. The study shows that seasonal weather patterns influence how much microplastic contamination reaches coastal waters where local communities fish and collect seafood.

Machine learning assisted Raman spectroscopy: A viable approach for the detection of microplastics

This review covers how machine learning combined with Raman spectroscopy can improve the detection and identification of microplastics in environmental samples. Traditional detection methods are slow and have limitations in resolution and particle size analysis, but AI algorithms can process spectral data more quickly and accurately. Better detection tools are essential for understanding the true scale of microplastic contamination in our water, food, and environment.

Visualization and characterisation of microplastics in aquatic environment using a home-built micro-Raman spectroscopic set up

Researchers built an affordable micro-Raman spectroscopy system capable of identifying microplastics in water samples, offering a low-cost alternative to expensive commercial equipment. The system could visualize, measure, and chemically identify different types of microplastic particles. This kind of accessible detection technology is important, especially for developing countries, because widespread monitoring of microplastic pollution in water sources is essential for protecting public health.

Microplastics occurrence, detection and removal with emphasis on insect larvae gut microbiota

This review covers the sources, detection methods, and toxic effects of microplastics across ecosystems, with a special focus on insect larvae gut microbiota as a biological degradation tool. Researchers found that certain insect larvae, such as mealworms and waxworms, harbor gut bacteria capable of breaking down plastic polymers. The study highlights biological degradation by insect-associated microbes as a promising avenue for microplastic remediation.

Advancements in genetic engineering for enhanced Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production: a comprehensive review of metabolic pathway manipulation and gene deletion strategies

This review examines genetic engineering strategies for boosting production of polyhydroxyalkanoates, which are biodegradable bioplastics produced by bacteria. Researchers describe how modifying metabolic pathways and deleting competing genes can significantly increase bioplastic yields. The technology is relevant to the microplastics problem because scaling up biodegradable plastic alternatives could help reduce the accumulation of persistent conventional plastics in the environment.

A review on waste biomass-derived biochar: Production, characterisation, and advanced analytical techniques for pollutants assessment in water and wastewater

Multi-component Adsorption Isotherms: Review and Modeling Studies

This review summarizes 26 different mathematical models used to predict how multiple contaminants compete for binding sites during water treatment by adsorption. Researchers analyzed case studies of common multi-pollutant systems and compared how well different models predict real-world behavior. The study provides guidance for designing more effective water treatment systems that must handle complex mixtures of contaminants found in drinking water sources.

Spatiotemporal variations of microplastics in the surface sediments of a tropical mangrove ecosystem in south-western India

Researchers studied microplastic distribution in mangrove sediments along India's southwestern coast across different seasons and found contamination present year-round. Microplastic concentrations varied seasonally, with higher levels detected during certain periods linked to monsoon runoff and human activity. The study highlights that mangrove ecosystems, which provide critical environmental services, are accumulating microplastic pollution from surrounding areas.

Toxicological Impacts and Microbial-Mediated Degradation Processes of Microplastics

This review explores both the harmful effects of microplastics on living organisms and the potential of microorganisms to break them down. Researchers summarize how microplastics accumulate through food chains from aquatic environments to humans, posing risks to food safety. The study highlights microbial degradation as a promising sustainable alternative to conventional chemical and physical methods for addressing plastic pollution.

Learning from natural sediments to tackle microplastics challenges: A multidisciplinary perspective

Researchers drew on decades of sediment science to propose seven research priorities for improving microplastic studies, including better particle description, transport modeling, and toxicity assessment methods adapted from geology. This cross-disciplinary approach could accelerate understanding of how microplastics move through rivers, oceans, and ecosystems and how they harm living organisms.

Seasonal variations in microplastics in a coastal wetland in southwest India as well as their risks to Sillago sihama and Gerres filamentosus

Researchers conducted seasonal sampling of microplastics in a mangrove ecosystem in southwest India and examined contamination in two fish species. They found that microplastic abundance varied significantly by season and water depth, with fibers being the most common type. The study also assessed potential health risks to both the fish and humans who consume them, highlighting how coastal wetland pollution can move through the food chain.

Implications of environmental toxicants on ovarian follicles: how it can adversely affect the female fertility?

This review examines how environmental toxicants, including endocrine disrupting chemicals, heavy metals, agrochemicals, and chemicals used in plastic and cosmetic industries, can adversely affect female fertility. Researchers found that these substances can interfere with follicle development and lead to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, and meiotic defects. The study highlights the difficulty of isolating individual risk factors since multiple toxicants often share common pathways of reproductive harm.

Microplastic content of over-the-counter toothpastes from India: an in-vitro study

Researchers analyzed 20 popular over-the-counter toothpastes from the Indian market and found microplastic compounds present in all samples. Using infrared spectroscopy, they identified polyamides, polyethylene, and polypropylene across all tested brands, highlighting a potential daily exposure route to microplastics through routine oral hygiene products.

Microplastics in cosmetics and their impact on human health

Researchers reviewed 14 studies on microplastics in cosmetics and personal care products, finding polyethylene is the most common microplastic in facial scrubs, body washes, and toothpaste, with exposure occurring mainly through skin contact and ingestion. Despite growing awareness, major gaps remain in understanding the long-term health effects and environmental persistence of these cosmetic microplastics.

Gaining traction of optical modalities in the detection of microplastics

Raman spectroscopy based detection and classification of algal blooms: A microchemical approach for environmental management

This study applied Raman spectroscopy as a microchemical tool for detecting and classifying algal blooms linked to eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems. Researchers found that the technique can identify bloom-forming organisms and associated contaminants, offering a promising approach for environmental monitoring and management of water quality issues connected to nutrient pollution.

Time to kick the butt of the most common litter item in the world: Ban cigarette filters

Researchers argue that cigarette filters, made of cellulose acetate single-use plastic, offer no public health benefit while being the most littered item globally and a significant source of microplastics, toxic chemical leaching, and ecological harm.